Conte rules out two key players from Arsenal semi-final

Daniel Storey

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed that both Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas will miss the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Morata was suspended as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-0 on Saturday lunchtime, with Michy Batshuayi impressing. Batshuayi will surely now get another chance to impress, as Morata has a back injury.

Fabregas is still struggling with a hamstring injury, although there is better news in central defence. Andreas Christensen is available again.

“Morata and Fabregas are out,” Conte said in his pre-match press conference.

“They are not available for the Arsenal game. Then we have to check a couple of situations. But, for sure, Morata and Fabregas are out.

“Morata has a problem in his back, and he’s injured. As I said before, I have to check a couple of situations before making the best decision for tomorrow’s game.”